And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
–Philippians 1:6
Many years ago, a friend and I were preaching a revival meeting in a little church outside of Fort Worth, Texas. I was preaching one night and it came time for the invitation at the end of the sermon. I was young and felt I needed to have a good showing, so I mustered up my best encouragement to get people down the aisle.
“Just stand up and take the first step… it’s the hardest one.” I told them, “And if you do, the rest of them will be so easy.” Boy, I thought that sounded good. And it must’ve really spoken to one young lady sitting in a chair about halfway back. She got up and took the first step just fine. But on her second, she tripped, fell, and sprained her ankle!
I was wrong that day. The first step isn’t always the hardest. It wasn’t for that girl, and it isn’t in the Christian life. That’s because for many, initial trust comes naturally. But it’s continuing to trust and live by faith after that first step that can be more difficult.
But don’t be discouraged. The One who took you the first step will bring your journey to completion if you trust in Him. Believe God at every step of life, even when you get knocked down, and He’ll take you to the finish!
MAINTAIN A FIRM TRUST IN GOD THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE – EVEN WHEN LIFE KNOCKS YOU DOWN. HE’LL NEVER LEAVE YOU!
